Prepare for work with training in demand driven occupations

For more than 30 years VR’s Information Technology (IT) Training has prepared and placed South Carolinians with disabilities in computer-related fields. The training allows clients to fully compete in today’s technology-driven job market.

Business Applications Plus

BAP prepares clients for careers in customer service and office support. This includes instruction and hands-on experience in Business Communications, Keyboarding, Record Keeping (physical & electronic), as well as the MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook), bookkeeping fundamentals using QuickBooks Pro and medical office administration.

Length: 8 months.

Computer Aided Drafting

CAD centers on the development of entry-level CAD technicians who are proficient in 3D CAD fundamentals, and mechanical and civil design applications.

Length: 11.5 months.

The energy and enthusiasm of the ITTC staff helped me and my classmates get jobs.

— John Baker, former client

Networking and Server Support

NSS addresses the needs of industries for persons who are qualified to apply the basic concepts and fundamentals of PC, network, server support, and helpdesk. Clients prepare for and have the opportunity to take the CompTIA A+, Network+ and Server+ certification exams.

Length: 11.5 months.

Programming

Programming provides each trainee with C# and SQL programming languages, extensive coverage of the .Net environment, and database theory and programming. This will provide each trainee with entry level knowledge and skills.

Length: 14 months.

Business Oriented Applications

BOA provides training customized to meet business needs for employees who are proficient in specific applications.

Length: time frame varies by individual need.

3-D Printing revolutionizing rehabilitation

Rock Hill area VR clients are being introduced to the exciting, cutting-edge technology of three-dimensional printing, thanks to 3-D Systems, a leading provider of 3-D printing design-to-manufacturing solutions. In addition to employment opportunities, this technology has immense potential in assistive technology products for people with disabilities.

“The clients in the Work Training Center help provide the fine detail work for the look of the machines,” says Debbi Beebe, Director, MJP Programs and Engineering Services at 3-D Systems. “We have hired several VR clients because they have become so efficient in this process.”

“Our partnership with 3-D Systems has been very rewarding,” adds Hall. “They have allowed us to grow with them and provide valuable training opportunities to VR clients for more than five years.”

“3-D Systems has partnered with VR on many levels including high level contract work and employment opportunities, plus providing tours for our High School/High Tech students,” explains Tina Stuber, Business Development Specialist. 3-D printers are also revolutionizing the field of
assistive technology. In collaboration with EksoBionics, 3-D Systems recently printed a robotic suit that has enabled an individual who is paralyzed from the waist down to walk.

Paul McCarthy, from Marblehead Massachusetts, was researching assistive technology options for his son, Leon, who was born without fingers on one hand.

That’s when McCarthy cameacross a video on YouTube about how to use a 3-D printer to make a prosthetic hand. McCarthy borrowed a friend’s 3-D printer, and in a month learned how to string, screw and bolt together a functioning prosthetic hand for his son for under $10.

Months before Leon and his father discovered 3-D printing, Michael Morgan, SCVRD Information Technology Training Center (ITTC) Instructor, realized that rapid prototyping could help his AutoCAD students make their designs into reality.

“The goal was to be able to produce machine parts as part of the pre-manufacturing process,” explains Morgan.

One week after the 3-D printer arrived, the students had pulled the same plans from the internet that McCarthy had used and produced a fully-operational prosthetic hand.

“I can see many opportunities in the future for these students to assist us in our fabrication efforts, as well as when we develop unique custom devices for our clients to use in the employment setting,” says Tom Jackman, Rehabilitation Technology Engineering Supervisor.

Through the partnership with 3-D Systems, and the training provided at the ITTC, VR clients today receive valuable training and employment opportunities.